How to get a criminal record certificate

What you need

• An Irembo account (or go to an Irembo agent)
• National ID number (age 14+ for minors), or foreigner/refugee ID
• A phone number and/or email

Steps

1. Log in at irembo.gov.rw and go to Criminal Record → Criminal Record Certificate.
2. Choose whether it's for yourself or a child, then click Apply.
3. Enter the ID number so your details load. Complete the form and attach anything it asks for.
4. Confirm, add phone/email and submit. You get a billing number starting with 88.
5. Pay Rwf 1,200 (MoMo, Airtel Money, bank or card).
6. When NPPA approves it, you get an SMS/email. Download the certificate from Irembo, or get it by email.

Tips

• It's valid for 6 months, so apply early but not too early.
• Some jobs or embassies ask for a different document, such as RIB's "certificate of good conduct" or "criminal investigation clearance". Check which one they want before you pay.
• Living abroad without a valid Rwandan ID? Apply through your Rwandan embassy.

Official sources

• Irembo: criminal record certificate
• National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA)

Last checked: 2 November 2026 against Irembo support pages. If something here is out of date, tell us so we can fix it.